Upsizing is the leading reason for purchase in over 85% of our regional offices, with many now seeing strong buyer demand. These are clear indicators of increased confidence in the regional property market.

In 9 out of 10 regional offices, upsizing accounted for over 50% of purchases over the past two and a half years, outstripping other reasons for buying, such as relocation, downsizing and investment/redevelopment. Some offices saw an even stronger trend - most notably our Chester and Wilmslow offices, where 72% of buyers were upsizers, and our Loughton and Chelmsford offices, where the figure was 65%.

Reasons for purchase - Top 3 - Chester and Wilmslow

Reasong for purchase - Top 3 - Chelmsford and Loughton

Illustrating this trend were the sales of Chorlton House, Chorlton-by-Backford - a contemporary country house in West Cheshire complete with swimming pool, cinema room, games room and wine cellar, and The Old House, Cheadle, Cheshire - a five bedroom family home dating in part from the 16th century. Each was sold earlier this year by our Chester and Wilmslow offices respectively.

Sentiment plays its part. Our Telford office reports on "considerably higher transaction rates on the back of improved market confidence", while our Reigate office has seen "a significant increase in confidence" from buyers in more southern areas.

Strong demand across the regions also suggests this growing market confidence. Our York office is observing "an increasing number of buyers moving from the South East to take advantage of the comparatively affordable prices".

This is not at the expense of demand in the South East, where our residential teams have also noticed "a steady rise in buyers registering this year". Our South West offices report on high demand too, with our Cheltenham office noting that "townhouse demand is particularly strong in the £500,000 to £800,000 price range", while our Cirencester office confirms that "the heart of the Cotswolds remains in strong demand, particularly from London based buyers moving into the area".

This trend in upsizing and notable buyer demand not only suggests confidence in the current market, but also provides a strong basis for our positive property forecasts.

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